Indian Cities & Destinations - Comprehensive guide to
cultural heritage of India where you discover art & craft, dances,
music, costumes, and languages of India.
The
city of Bikaner has seen several ups and downs in its eventful history. Its
proximity to Delhi made it bear the brunt of Mughal invasions time and
again. Legend has it that before embarking on his campaign, Rao Bhikaji
sought the blessings of mystic Goddess Karni at Deshnoke. Since then the
Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke continued to be patronized by the ruling
family. Today hundreds of pilgrims flock the temple everyday to invoke the
blessings of the Goddess, who is revered as an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
Bikaner,
situated in the northern part of Rajasthan, was founded in 1488 by a
descendant of the founder of Jodhpur named Rao Bhikaji. Like Jaisalmer,
this town was an important city on the great caravan trade route during the
medieval period. The city is surrounded by high fortifications comprising a
seven-kilometre long wall which encircles the old city and has five
entrances-all constructed in the 18th century.
Bikaner is
also called the camel country, being renowned for the best riding camels in
the world. It is also the birthplace of the world famous Bikaneri
bhujia and namkeen (a salted snack made of lentils). Being a desertscape,
the summers are very hot in Bikaner. The best time to visit this place is in
winters when the weather remains cool and tolerable.
 Major
Attractions of Bikaner |
 |
Junagarh Fort : The palaces, exquisitely
built in red sandstone and marble are ornate with mirror work, carvings and
paintings. An array of kiosks and balconies embellish the fort at intervals,
breaking the monotony. A museum with valuable miniature paintings and rare
antiques is also located in the Junagarh Fort.
Camel
Festival : : Held in the month of January every year on the full moon
night, the festival is dedicated to the indispensable ship of the desert. A
fascinating spectacle of camel performances. Camel races, camel dances and
camel rides, along with the joy, colour and vigour unique to Rajasthan, make
this a joyous event.
| How
to Get There |
|
By Air : The palaces, exquisitely built in
red sandstone and marble are ornate with mirror work, carvings and
paintings. An array of kiosks and balconies embellish the fort at intervals,
breaking the monotony. A museum with valuable miniature paintings and rare
antiques is also located in the Junagarh Fort.
By
Rail : Bikaner is connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur.
By Road : Bikaner to Delhi 949 km,Jaipur 316
km,Jodhpur 240 km & Jaisalmer 330 km.
Destinations
